Pentagon ships turkeys deployed overseas and at border (Details)

The Pentagon has shipped more than 300,000 pounds of turkey to U.S. troops stationed abroad and near the southern border, according to the Pentagon office overseeing the operation.

“America’s military men and women continually make sacrifices to secure our freedom,” Army Brig. Gen. Mark Simerly, commander of the Defense Department’s Logistics Agency Troop Support, said in a statement Tuesday. “It is our duty to show our gratitude by providing them the very best Thanksgiving meal our country has to offer.”

The government has sent 9,738 whole turkeys as well as 51,234 pounds of roasted turkey for a total 300,000 pounds.

Nearly 75,000 pounds of beef; 21,758 pounds of ham; 16,284 pounds of sweet potatoes; 67,860 pounds of shrimp; 81,360 pies; 19,284 pounds of cake; and 7,836 gallons of eggnog have also been delivered ahead of the U.S. holiday.

The office has been planning the undertaking for six months. Approximately 270 dining facilities worldwide will host the dinners, including field kitchens in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

“The Troop Support Subsistence team is a dedicated group of employees who take pride in ensuring that deployed service members can experience an enjoyable holiday meal each Thanksgiving,” said Rich Faso, subsistence deputy director.

A total of 5,800 active-duty troops and 2,100 National Guard troops are deployed near the U.S.-Mexico border. Meals for those troops are included in the planning even though the active-duty member deployment took place just a month ago.

The Pentagon does not share information on the number of troops deployed overseas or how many people its Thanksgiving food shipments are meant to feed.